title: NADPH oxidases in lung health and disease.
abstract: CONCLUSIONS
  The evolution of the lungs and circulatory systems in vertebrates ensured the availability of molecular oxygen (O2; dioxygen) for aerobic cellular metabolism of internal organs in large animals. O2 serves as the physiologic terminal acceptor of mitochondrial electron transfer and of the NADPH oxidase (Nox) family of oxidoreductases to generate primarily water and reactive oxygen species (ROS), respectively.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The purposeful generation of ROS by Nox family enzymes suggests important roles in normal physiology and adaptation, most notably in host defense against invading pathogens and in cellular signaling.
  
  
  RESULTS
  However, there is emerging evidence that, in the context of chronic stress and/or aging, Nox enzymes contribute to the pathogenesis of a number of lung diseases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Here, we review evolving functions of Nox enzymes in normal lung physiology and emerging pathophysiologic roles in lung disease.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bernard
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hecker
authors.forename: Tracy R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Luckhardt
authors.forename: Guangjie
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: Victor J
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Thannickal
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D019255:NADPH Oxidases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000235:genetics*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D019255:NADPH Oxidases; D010100:Oxygen